How to Avoid Lengthy Eviction Processes

Tenant eviction processes can be excruciatingly long and incredibly stressful for property managers and owners. Sending out notices, dealing with stay orders, collecting documentation to prove you are being wronged as the owner is challenging, to say the least. Here we talk about how to avoid evicting tenants and give you tips to help you deal with troublesome renters.

Timely Payment Reminders

Often tenants forget to pay the rent on time, which is understandable as everyone has various responsibilities to take care of. But where it is good to be understanding, you must acknowledge and maintain a professional property manager and tenant relationship at all times.

Here, instead of allowing them to be late with their payments, send them reminders to pay on time instead. Make sure you send out a reminder on the 1st of every month to ensure they are aware of the impending deadline.

Send a Notice at Every Late Payment

A verbal warning the first time is fine, but make sure you send a written notice at every late payment further on. It helps put across the message that you aren't here to pull any punches, and the tenant cannot take advantage of you.

The written notices will also serve as proof later on if you have to take the tough route. They will show you've given enough warning and enough notices and are justified in your next step.

List down Clear Eviction Terms in the Lease Agreement

It is best to be clear about the terms and conditions beforehand to avoid any confusion. Your safest bet is to list them down in the lease agreement, so the tenant knows that you won't tolerate a violation of your rights as the owner. Having it all in writing will also help your case if you have to reach out to the authorities later on.

Serve Them a Pay or Quit Notice

The final notice is essential as often tenants use the lack of one to get an extension. Make sure you serve them one when you need them to move out. You must clearly state the reason for making the request.

While late or no payment often becomes the reason why owners ask tenants to move out, it could also be because of damage to the property or the neighbors' never-ending complaints. As long as you have proof of written warnings, you don't have to worry about legal action.

Pay Them to Leave

There's a concept called cash for keys where you offer monetary incentives to the tenant to move out, especially if they don't seem willing to even after all the notices and warnings. Paying them to leave might sound out but is indeed a widespread practice as it is a hassle-free way out. It also costs less than the regular eviction process does.

You really don't want to get involved in lengthy court cases, where as long as the case is in proceeding, the tenant gets to stay at the property. You not only end up spending a huge sum of money on legal proceedings, but you also lose the profits you could get from getting a new tenant.

We could tell you not to hire bad tenants in response to how to avoid evicting tenants. However, we know that it isn't as simple as it seems. Sometimes people get through the screening process but, in general, have a troublesome attitude towards payment. You can offer them all the assistance possible from your end, and they'll still create trouble. As long as you follow our tips, you should be good to go.